Environment and energy
71 upcoming changes, soonest first.
October 2026 2
EPA requires 90 days' notice before new uses of a group of new chemicals
Companies must notify EPA at least 90 days before making, importing or processing any of a group of new chemical substances already under EPA orders for a use the rules call significant new, and cannot start until EPA reviews the notice.
EPA enlarges two ocean dumping sites for dredged sediment off Corpus Christi
The Corpus Christi New Work disposal site grows from 1.39 to 5.57 square nautical miles and the Ship Channel site from 0.61 to 1.05. Dredged material still needs testing and approval before it is dumped there.
November 2026 5
EPA extends the South Coast's deadline to meet the fine particle air standard by five years
EPA grants California's request for five more years for the Los Angeles-South Coast Air Basin to meet the annual fine particle (PM2.5) air quality standard, finding the state has met the legal conditions for the extension.
Nuclear plants may store spent fuel in a redesigned NUHOMS 61BTH basket
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission adds Amendment 19 to the TN Americas NUHOMS storage system certificate, allowing a 61BTH basket built with staggered plates that is lighter and simpler to make, plus editorial fixes. It takes effect unless significant adverse comments came in.
Colorado takes over permits for carbon dioxide storage wells from EPA
Colorado's Energy and Carbon Management Commission will issue and enforce permits for Class VI wells that inject carbon dioxide underground for storage. EPA stays the permitting authority on Indian lands in the state.
National forest projects get shorter comment periods and no separate objection reviewer
Public comment periods on national forest and grassland projects shrink to 15 days from 30 for environmental assessments and to 30 days from 45 for impact statements. Objections are now answered by the project's responsible official, not a separate reviewing officer.
EPA repeals carbon capture rules for coal plants and new gas power plants
EPA repeals the carbon limits for existing coal, oil and gas steam power plants and the carbon capture-based standards for modified coal units and new base load gas turbines. Efficiency-based standards for new gas turbines stay in place.
December 2026 4
Energy Department drops a newer efficiency test for commercial warm air furnaces
The Energy Department withdraws the Thermal Efficiency Two test, which counted heat lost through the furnace casing and at part load, before any standard required it. Makers keep testing under the existing thermal efficiency method.
EPA delays hazardous substance spill response plan deadline by three years
Facilities at risk of causing substantial harm with a worst-case spill of Clean Water Act hazardous substances get three more years to file response plans. EPA also strikes references to climate change and environmental justice from the rules.
Makers and importers must notify EPA before new uses of 19 newly reviewed chemicals
Anyone who makes, imports or processes any of 19 chemical substances must tell the EPA at least 90 days before a use the rule lists as significant and new, mostly uses outside existing EPA order limits. Work waits for EPA's review.
AP1000 reactor design approval renewed for 40 years with an updated design based on Vogtle
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission renews the AP1000 design certification for 40 years and adds Revision 20, which reflects changes made building and running Vogtle Units 3 and 4. The older revision stays available. Significant adverse comments mean withdrawal.
January 2027 54
A Santa Clara hospital campus project gets faster environmental review and court challenges
A hospital campus project in the City of Santa Clara that the city certifies and that meets labor rules gets faster environmental review steps, and lawsuits over it must be resolved within 270 days where feasible.
Agents can file Joshua tree dead-limb permits, and signed attestations are dropped
A property owner's agent may now request a state permit to remove dead western Joshua trees or limbs or trim live ones, and the signed attestation is no longer required. Tribal agreements may also cover buying and selling the trees for cultural purposes.
Air board must post landfill methane monitoring data online
The State Air Resources Board must post on its website the temperature and monitoring data it receives about methane emissions from landfills, making it public for people who live near them.
Appliance efficiency rules now cover rentals, leases and imports, not only sales
California's appliance energy and water efficiency standards, which applied to new appliances sold or offered for sale in the state, now also cover appliances rented, leased, imported or distributed for use in California, wherever the seller is located.
Baldwin Hills oil well penalties to fund cash aid for nearby households with health harms
If the Legislature funds it, the first $5 million in Baldwin Hills oil well penalties goes to Los Angeles County for cash payments to up to 1,000 nearby households with a member who has respiratory or reproductive health problems. Payments don't count against public benefits.
Battery recycling program expands to cover larger batteries up to 25 pounds
Producers' battery take-back programs must cover medium format batteries up to 25 pounds or 2,000 watt-hours, plus batteries locked into products with a producer's anti-theft app or locking device. Program operators must meet minimum recycling rates and keep records five years instead of three.
Building height alone isn't a significant impact in some state environmental reviews
Under state environmental review law, effects of added building height alone, such as shadows or light reflection, are not significant for projects on graded infill sites covered by a certified environmental report that fit local airport land use plans. Industrial projects and sensitive habitat sites are excluded.
Caltrans must list wildlife crossing projects and add wildlife to highway plans
Caltrans must publish a list of wildlife connectivity improvements with each revision of its highway asset plan and make wildlife connectivity an objective in its highway management plan. Its inventory of crossing needs must be based on priority routes picked by the state wildlife department.
Carpet recycling program gets a voting board, more drop-off sites and labor grants
Carpet makers' recycling group must set up a 14-member voting board, accept free drop-offs at more sites including retailers and recycling centers, and give $2 million a year to union apprenticeship programs. State penalties of up to $25,000 a day become administrative penalties.
Cities and counties can't approve data centers without a water supply assessment
Cities and counties may not approve building a data center, or an expansion that raises peak water use, unless the applicant supplies a water supply assessment, water use and workforce figures and pays for needed water infrastructure. A drought plan is required later.
Cities can count soil amendments and more small-site compost toward organic waste goals
Cities and counties can count fertilizer-registered soil amendments made from organic waste, including biosolids, toward up to 10 percent of their organic waste buying target. Small compost sites now qualify with up to 200 cubic yards onsite, or 500 if publicly owned, up from 100.
Coastal plate fees and 49ers plate money get new splits for beach and outdoor grants
Extra fees from the coastal design license plate are split evenly between the Coastal Commission's beach programs and coastal access grants, if the Legislature funds them and the fund has enough reserve. Part of 49ers plate money goes to coastal and outdoor equity grants.
Data centers lose access to categorical exemptions from environmental review
Data center projects can no longer use categorical exemptions from the California Environmental Quality Act; public, research and utility facilities are excluded. Data centers meeting strict clean power and cost rules, and geothermal plants, may qualify for the Governor's fast-track review.
Data centers must report water use estimates to get or renew a business license
Data center owners must give their water supplier a sworn estimate of expected water use and sources before applying for a city or county business license, and repeat it on the application. Renewals must report the previous calendar year's water use and cooling system type.
Data centers to get their own power rates so other customers don't pay their costs
The state utilities commission must have each large electric utility file data center tariffs covering a share of wildfire and grid costs and the added power bought for them, backed by collateral and minimum payments. Community choice and other power providers must adopt similar tariffs.
EV charging stations with canopies or batteries get fast-track permit approval
Cities and counties must give administrative approval to EV charging stations with canopies or onsite battery storage, not only basic chargers. They must send written notice within 30 days once an application is deemed approved, and update their fast-track permit rules.
Environmental lawsuits over wildfire rebuilding projects get a faster court track
For wildfire rebuilding projects that fit local zoning in areas under a wildfire state of emergency, agencies must build the review record as they go, and courts must try to settle lawsuits within 270 days. The applicant must agree to pay the court costs.
Fine for missing recycled plastic targets in drink bottles rises to 30 cents a pound
Beverage makers that miss the recycled plastic content targets for bottles now pay 30 cents for each pound of plastic they fall short, up from 20 cents. Their yearly reports must later include third-party proof of the recycled content they claim.
Gas station vapor equipment certified for E10 may be used with E15 fuel
Vapor recovery systems and fuel dispensers certified for gasoline with 10% ethanol may also be used with blends up to 15% if the maker files a signed compatibility statement with state regulators. Stations selling those blends must follow State Fire Marshal labeling rules.
Gas utilities must report yearly what they spend replacing pipelines
Each gas corporation must file an annual report with the Public Utilities Commission on its spending to replace and upgrade gas distribution lines. The commission must also consider a depreciation plan that accounts for falling gas demand, to limit what customers pay for unused pipes.
Geothermal test projects can include equipment that links wells and reservoirs
A geothermal exploratory project, which gets its own environmental review rules, can now include equipment and work to connect wells and reservoirs. The half-mile minimum distance from producing wells is measured from every point along the well, including its bottom.
Groundwater lawsuit plaintiffs must file proof of mailed and posted notices to landowners
In suits to settle groundwater rights in a basin, the plaintiff's notice of completed mailing must include a sworn statement from the mailer and delivery receipts, and, where no receipt came back, a sworn statement and photo of each posted notice.
Hauling construction debris to dump it illegally becomes a crime
Transporting trash, rocks, concrete, asphalt, dirt or other construction debris to dump it illegally is now a crime, and a fourth offense can bring a fine of up to $5,000. Dumping over 25 cubic yards brings a mandatory $25,000 fine, and over 50 cubic yards can be a felony.
Household hazardous waste reports switch to the calendar year
Local agencies that run household hazardous waste programs must report each year on the prior calendar year instead of the fiscal year, filing with CalRecycle on the same yearly deadline. CalRecycle shares copies with the Department of Toxic Substances Control on request.
Idle gravel and sand mines can apply for a new reserve status to delay cleanup
Idle mines permitted to dig construction aggregate can apply for Idle Reserve Mine Status, which lets the local agency extend their interim management plan by up to 10 more years before reclamation. These mines also stay subject to yearly inspections and reporting fees.
Interim lead and asbestos cleanup standards set for homes after wildfires
Until new state rules are adopted, homes in wildfire impact zones are cleared for occupancy only if they meet federal lead-dust action levels and state and federal asbestos standards. The state toxic substances department must write lead and asbestos testing and cleanup rules.
Landfills must report persistent underground heat above 131 degrees to the state
Landfill owners must tell the state recycling department when underground gas or waste temperatures stay above 131 degrees Fahrenheit over a large area. The state can order a corrective action plan and fine up to $100,000 a day, with fines going to affected counties.
Large coal terminals need a full environmental impact report before approval
Facilities built to handle, store or export over 5 million short tons of coal a year need a full environmental impact report before first approval, and an old report can't be reused if the coal type or amount changes. Recent pending approvals are covered too.
Large data centers must report energy use to the state Energy Commission
Owners of data centers of 10 megawatts or more must give the Energy Commission their location, size, power usage effectiveness and generator fuel use, which it publishes in aggregate. Permit applicants must tell local agencies expected energy use and noise. Public and utility sites are exempt.
Large power companies must study power surges that damage customers' property
The utilities commission must order each large electric utility to study voltage incidents that damaged customer equipment or property by $5,000 or more, including causes and how claims are handled. The commission then posts the studies and reports to the Legislature.
Leftover state recycling money can pay for clean glass made into non-bottle products
The recycling department may use money left at year end, after regular glass payments, to pay up to $30 a ton for clean, color-sorted glass used in California to make products other than beverage containers. Bottle-to-bottle glass still earns up to $60.
Local groundwater fees can exempt small household well users
Local governments, including groundwater sustainability agencies, that charge fees for groundwater monitoring or management may exempt de minimis extractors, such as small household wells, after making findings that others get the direct benefit. The law says it restates existing law.
Metal shredders need a new state permit outside hazardous waste law
Metal shredding facilities must hold a permit from the state toxics department under a new program separate from hazardous waste law, with annual inspections, cleanup plans and public meetings before permits are decided. A new annual fee replaces the old one.
Plug-in balcony solar panels skip utility approval and fees
Plug-in solar devices up to 1,200 watts per home that meet electrical codes and safety certification need no utility interconnection approval, extra equipment or fees. Utilities may ask only for a simple online registration of the device.
Power companies must plan removal of abandoned transmission lines and staff emergency centers
Electric utilities' wildfire plans must list all transmission facilities, including permanently abandoned ones, with a plan and timeline for removing each. Some utilities must assign liaisons to local emergency operations centers, and regulators must order abandoned lines removed.
Recycling department must let cities count biomethane toward organic waste buying goals
The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery must amend its rules so cities and counties can count pipeline biomethane made only from organic waste kept out of landfills toward their recovered organic waste buying targets.
Rural transportation projects presumed to pass the driving-miles test in environmental review
A public road, transit or rail project with at least 70% of its area in nonmetropolitan counties is presumed to have a less than significant vehicle-miles impact, unless it adds general purpose lanes to a state highway without a safety or evacuation need.
Small forest owners can cover more land under long-term state harvest plans
The acreage cap for nonindustrial tree farmers rises from 2,500 to 4,000 acres, and for working forest landowners from 10,000 to 15,000 acres. Working forest plans no longer have to stay in one watershed area, and the southern coast district loses its exemption.
State air board must write a hydrogen sulfide response plan for exposed communities
The State Air Resources Board must develop a framework of best practices for handling hydrogen sulfide gas from natural and fugitive sources and for helping communities prepare for exposure events, with public workshops in the Tijuana River Valley and Salton Sea regions.
State buildings can use Green Globes certification instead of LEED
New state buildings and major renovations over 10,000 square feet may earn Three Green Globes instead of LEED Gold, or Two Green Globes instead of LEED Silver. This covers projects whose design starts on or after the law's start date.
State creates Outdoors for All program to widen access to parks and nature
The Natural Resources Agency must run an Outdoors for All initiative to create outdoor recreation spaces, connect people with nature and steer funding to those goals. It must update its strategy at least every 8 years and report to lawmakers each year.
State may give regional wildfire grants directly and pay grant money in advance
The Department of Conservation, Cal Fire and the Wildlife Conservation Board may award regional grants directly to regional and local groups to carry out wildfire plans. Advance grant payments, which had expired, are allowed with no end date, and roadside ignition prevention becomes grant eligible.
State recycling agency may fund removal of abandoned RVs and illegal dumping crews
If the Legislature funds it, the state recycling department may write rules and give grants to local enforcement agencies to remove and dispose of abandoned RVs and to build illegal dumping enforcement teams. Projects in disadvantaged communities get priority.
State utility regulators must study rates that make data centers pay their share of grid costs
The Public Utilities Commission must assess rate structures that make data centers pay their reasonable share of transmission, distribution and supply costs, and that ease cost pressure on household customers, including low-income rate programs.
State water department may buy power from pumped hydro plants that got no state money
The Department of Water Resources may buy electricity from pumped hydroelectric plants of up to 500 megawatts without the old condition that the plant received direct state funding. The size limit stays.
State water department must use experimental long-range forecasts for atmospheric rivers
The Department of Water Resources must include experimental tools that forecast atmospheric rivers weeks to months ahead (seasonal and subseasonal forecasts) in the forecasting methods it develops for flood control and water supply.
Swimming allowed at Salinas Reservoir if the water is fully treated before use
Swimming and other water-contact recreation becomes allowed at the Salinas Reservoir if the water gets full treatment before people drink it and the San Luis Obispo County water district runs a monitoring program. The district must report to lawmakers every 2 years.
Underground tank owners get 30 days to fix inspection problems or file a longer-fix plan
Underground storage tank permit holders must return to compliance within 30 days of an inspection report, not file a plan within 60 days; a longer fix needs a plan the local agency gets in that time. Compacting some solid hazardous waste is no longer treatment.
Upper Los Angeles River working group grows and must review its plan yearly
The Upper Los Angeles River working group can have up to 25 members, one from the Los Angeles council district with the most river miles. It must meet yearly to report progress and propose plan changes, which the conservancy must act on in 60 days.
Utilities Commission must report on unpaid utility wildfire victim claims
The Public Utilities Commission must assess unpaid losses of victims of older utility-caused wildfires, including PG&E fire victims paid only in part by its bankruptcy trust, and recommend ways to pay them in full without raising rates. A later law must approve any plan.
Wildfire prevention projects get one combined state permit review with a 60-day decision
Wildfire risk projects, such as removing dead trees or clearing fuel breaks, can file one application covering all state environmental permits, with a decision due 60 days after it is complete. Fast-track approvals can replace other state permits.
Wildlife agency can permit take of species that are only proposed for listing
The Department of Fish and Wildlife can now permit incidental take of species proposed for listing under the state endangered species law. If one is later listed, a renewable power project whose permit already covered it needs no new approval, if conditions are met.
Wildlife agency must consider tiered Joshua tree fees by project type and size
When it sets the fees developers can pay instead of mitigating harm to western Joshua trees, the Department of Fish and Wildlife must consider making them match a project's impact and tiering them by project type, size or other factors.
Renewable diesel earns fewer fuel credits per gallon under EPA's renewable fuel rule
Under the Renewable Fuel Standard, the credit value for renewable diesel drops from 1.7 to 1.5 per gallon, and set values of 1.5 for renewable jet fuel and 1.4 for renewable naphtha replace case-by-case values. Producers may apply for a different value.
March 2027 1
Crude oil pipelines feeding California refineries must report volumes monthly
Operators of crude oil pipelines that California refineries depend on, where a shutdown means a significant drop in supply, must send the state Energy Commission monthly data on daily volumes, hours of operation, safe operating limits and capacity. The commission first names the covered pipelines.
April 2027 1
Electric utilities must offer a tariff to wire up hydrogen fueling stations
Each electric utility must file, and the Public Utilities Commission must approve, a tariff letting the utility build and own the grid-side lines and meters serving hydrogen fueling stations, including heavy-duty truck stations, with a good faith cost estimate up front.
September 2027 1
Utilities will face deadlines to hook up small electric service projects
The Public Utilities Commission must set timelines, with penalties, for big electric utilities to process requests to connect small projects that need no line extensions. Utilities must accept applications alongside building permits, give cost estimates and not cancel applications without the applicant's consent.
January 2028 2
Gas utilities must offer some homeowners payments to quit gas instead of replacing lines
Each gas utility must offer owners of homes whose gas line is due for replacement within five years an optional payment to switch to non-gas energy and end gas service. Enrollment is capped at 1% of customers, utilities may limit it to some areas, and disadvantaged communities get more.
Glass recycling payments to bottle makers continue, with funding cut to $20 million a year
The state's market development payments to glass bottle makers that buy California recycled glass, set to end, continue for two more years. Funding drops from $60 million a year to up to $20 million a year, and only if the Legislature funds it.
January 2029 1
Energy Commission must seek agreements with refinery air districts and local governments
The State Energy Commission must try to sign memoranda of understanding with air districts and local governments that have fuel refineries. The goal is closer coordination on managing the fuel supply while keeping environmental, health, labor and consumer protections.